India, June 12 -- Odissi exponent Shubhada Varadkar's phone has not stopped ringing since Wednesday evening when the Sangeet Natak Akademi (SNA) announced its latest awardees. However, despite cross-continental congratulatory calls from family, friends and admirers, Varadkar said: "The award may bear my name but it belongs to my gurus, students, musicians, family and the countless rasikas who have walked alongside me."

For over four decades, the 65-year-old has been more than a performer. She has been a teacher, mentor, institution-builder and one of the foremost ambassadors of Odissi outside Odisha.

Yet, long before dance entered her life, she inherited another legacy - of service and commitment for the betterment of community.

Her la...